Why do I need to book the Inca Trail in advance?

Due to regulations implemented in 2002, the Inca Trail (4 or 2 days) only allows a maximum capacity of 500 people per day (including guides, porters, and cooks). Therefore, it is necessary to make a reservation in advance to secure a spot on the desired travel date. It is important to make the reservation with a reliable agency well in advance. During high season months (May, June, July, August, and September), it is advised to book at least 6 months in advance.

How can I make a reservation for the Inca Trail with CuscoPeru.com?

To make a reservation for the Inca Trail and confirm your booking, you need to provide the following information:

• A copy of your passport or identification document that you will use to enter Peru
• Let us know if you require the services of an additional porter to carry your personal belongings (the cost for this service is USD $150). With the hiring of a porter, you will only need to carry a small backpack. You can also hire a ½ porter (coordinate with your assigned advisor from CuscoPeru.com)
• The organization of the Inca Trail requires a lot of work, which is why a minimum deposit of 50% is required, and this amount is non-refundable if you are unable to arrive on the agreed date.
• It is important to inform us if you have any special dietary requirements or medical conditions.

Why do I need to make a deposit?

A prior payment (non-refundable) is necessary to secure your official reservation. The upfront costs include the entrance tickets to the Inca Trail, which are non-refundable. We also need to pre-book the services of cooks, guides, and porters (essential personnel for this journey). Everything needs to be organized well in advance due to the length of the trek.

Is there an age limit for the 4-day Inca Trail?

There is no age limit for passengers traveling on the 4-day Inca Trail. The most important factor is that travelers have a good physical condition. We do not recommend this journey for elderly people or those with average physical condition, and children under 10 years old should only participate if they have previous experience with long hikes. It is advisable to undergo a medical check-up before embarking on this trip. CuscoPeru.com recommends preparation and physical activity before your trip to Peru or acclimatizing to high-altitude locations.
We have accommodated very young passengers, such as 8-year-old children, as well as adults up to 75 years old. We are here to assist you and ensure you enjoy your trip. The recommendations are necessary for you to remember this adventure and the marvelous landscapes along the original Inca route.

I'm a landscape and photography enthusiast, and I want to enjoy each section and stop for the best shot. Is that possible?

We travel in groups or privately, depending on your reservation. It is important to enjoy the journey, and there will be time for taking photos. However, excessive attention to detail could cause us to arrive at the campsites very late, which is dangerous as we cannot hike in the dark.
Nevertheless, everything will be perfectly fine. Our guides will keep you informed about the distances and timing of the trek, while providing explanations about the Inca Trail and the surrounding environment. You will have time to rest and recharge your energy.

For groups of 10 or more people, we provide 2 professional guides. The first guide leads the group at the front, and the second guide remains at the back, ensuring that everyone is accounted for. In cases where there is only one guide (groups of 8 or fewer people), the guide always stays with the last person in the group.

If I have already booked my 4-day Inca Trail, can I change my departure date?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date once the reservation is confirmed officially at the government offices (INC Reservation Office). If you wish to change your date, you would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for the new date, subject to availability of spaces.

What can I expect for meals on the Inca Trail?

Our professional cook will provide you with an incredible variety of dishes:

• Breakfast: This varies depending on the difficulty of the day ahead. It usually consists of a wide selection of items such as oats, eggs, pancakes, bread, and jam. You can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or traditional coca tea.
• Lunch and Dinner: You will always start with a bowl of soup followed by a main course (chicken, beef, fish, etc.) with rice or pasta. Afterward, you will have dessert and a herbal drink from the region.
• Afternoon Snack (Happy Hour): At the end of each day's hike, we will provide hot beverages, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, etc.

I'm a vegetarian. What options do I have?

We are accommodating to all dietary requests, as long as they are communicated in advance. Please specify your dietary requirements when making your reservation.

Do you provide drinking water on the Inca Trail?

We provide boiled water that has been boiled for at least 5 minutes (no need for purification tablets). Therefore, you will only need water for the first day. For the remaining days, we will provide you with a bottle of pre-boiled cold water.

What are the restroom facilities like on the 4-day Inca Trail?

There are restroom facilities at the campsites and halfway lunch spots. Along the trail, there are several toilets available, and we recommend using them (please avoid using nature).

How many people share each tent?

Our camping tents are designed for 4 people, but we only use them for 2 people to provide more space and comfort for placing backpacks. If you are traveling alone and there is an odd number in your group, you will share the tent with another person unless you request a personal tent, which incurs an additional cost.

Why and how much should we tip the porters?

CuscoPeru.com fully complies with the Porters Law (27608) regarding payment and insurance requirements. However, tipping (usually on the third night of the trip) is a tradition on the Inca Trail that has been followed for a long time as a way to show gratitude to the porters. A collection is made among all the tourists in the group, and the amount is shared among the cook, head porter, and porters.
Please note that the amount of the tip is a personal decision.

What happens if I get sick and cannot continue?

We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trail. Our priority is to help you complete this journey, which is why we recommend spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek. All our guides are trained and carry a first aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies.

Can I book the Inca Trail all year round?

The Inca Trail goes into maintenance every February and is closed for bookings during that month. Reservations for the remaining 11 months are available. Please contact one of the advisors at CuscoPeru.com for assistance.
Weather for the 4-Day Inca Trail Tour:

In the city of Cusco, we have only 2 seasons:
Dry season: From April to October, the days are usually sunny and warm, but there is a sharp drop in temperature after 5-6 hours until 7-8 hours. The weather is highly variable.
Rainy season: From November to March, rainfall is regular, with February and March being particularly heavy. It is recommended to use appropriate clothing and equipment for this trek.

Distance, Hours, and Altitude per Day:

Medium Difficulty: Mainly moderate inclines.

Approximate Trekking Time per Day:

Day 01: 5-6 hours, 13 km, altitude 3100 m (10170 ft)
Day 02: 6-7 hours, 12 km, altitude 4200 m (13780 ft)
Day 03: 7-8 hours, 16 km, altitude 3800 m (12470 ft)
Day 04: 2-3 hours, 6 km, altitude 2600 m (8530 ft)

Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
Minimum Altitude: 2,550 m (8,366 ft)
Maximum Temperature: Above 20°C (68°F)
Minimum Temperature: Above 04°C (39°F)

What is my return time on the TRAIN?

The included return train service in all excursions is the Expedition or Voyager train (to Ollantaytambo), where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. The first train can be taken at 14:55 p.m., and the last train departs at 18:20 p.m. If you wish to upgrade to a superior train service, such as the Vistadome, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

Do you have any other questions? Contact us.

The staff at CuscoPeru.com is ready to answer all your questions. We know that this is the dream adventure for many of our visitors, and we want to assist you in the best possible way. We look forward to hearing from you.